The Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair fills the skies above Lake Havasu City each January, when more than seventy hot air balloons launch against the backdrop of the reassembled London Bridge and the Colorado River. Grown from a Lions and Rotary club fundraiser, it has become the largest hot air balloon festival held anywhere in the United States during the month of January.
Lake Havasu City exists because of a bridge.
What sets this festival apart is its setting: balloons lift off from the shoreline of Lake Havasu with the 1831 London Bridge, transported stone by stone from England in 1968, framing the horizon
January's desert weather gives it a niche among balloon events, since most American balloon festivals cluster in summer or fall when winds are less predictable, while the cooler, calmer winter air over the lake makes for consistent morning launches
Alongside the mass balloon glow at dusk, the event pairs a county-fair-style midway, a craft and vendor market, and live music with the aeronautics, drawing pilots from across the country to a stretch of desert shoreline built around a genuine piece of London history
The festival grew out of a fundraising effort by the local Lions and Rotary clubs and retains a community-service character
with proceeds supporting local charitable projects
the evening balloon glow
where grounded envelopes are lit from within in unison
has become the signature communal moment of the weekend
Dates TBA · Usually January
For Lake Havasu Balloon Festival, plan transport around the exact Lake Havasu City venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
January mornings in Lake Havasu City are cool, often in the 40s Fahrenheit, warming into the 60s by afternoon; layered clothing, a warm jacket for the dawn launches, and closed-toe shoes for...
Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.
For Lake Havasu Balloon Festival, stay near the part of Lake Havasu City you will actually use, with reliable return transport.
Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.
USD
unknown
External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.
We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.
Lake Havasu Balloon Festival is listed for Past edition: 9–12 January 2025. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.
The festival is listed in Lake Havasu City, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.
4 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.
Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.
Lake Havasu City, AZ
unknown
This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.
Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.
Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.
Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →
